Protecting critical underwater cables

A new Seabed Warfare ship has been purchased by DE&S to carry cutting-edge equipment that will help protect the UK’s critical national infrastructure from hostile attacks.

The 6,000-tonne, 98-metre-long offshore patrol vessel can handle a range of activities, including operating remote and autonomous off-board systems for underwater surveillance and seabed warfare. The Topaz Tangaroa is the first of two Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) ships that will be operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA).

These ships are vital to national security as they protect key energy and communication cables and pipelines on the seabed, which have become an increasingly attractive target for the UK’s adversaries. As a result of this heightened threat, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace accelerated the procurement of the MROS vessels.

The Topaz Tangaroa was built in 2019 by Vard and purchased for £65 million by the

DE&S Ships Acquisition team. It has now arrived at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead where it will now undergo a short period of modification before a planned entry into service with the RFA later this year.

MROS project manager Gareth Morris said: “I’m incredibly proud to have worked collaboratively with an innovative team to deliver this critical new capability to the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Lessons learned during this fast-paced and novel procurement journey have been invaluable and will positively impact future projects.”

DE&S Director General Ships Vice Admiral Paul Marshall said: “DE&S worked at pace to successfully accelerate the purchase and delivery of the first ship under the critical MROS programme. We continue to work with agility to support the UK MOD in addressing both the current and future threats posed by an ever-changing world.”

The Ships Acquisition team did extensive market analysis before the purchase of Topaz Tangaroa, which previously operated around the world on commercial charters. That analysis proved that adapting a vessel from the commercial market to meet the Seabed Warfare requirements was the best way to maximise value for money for the taxpayer and ensure timely delivery of an essential new vessel to the Royal Navy. Head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Commodore David Eagles said: “This is an entirely new mission for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary – and one we relish. We have been entrusted with supporting a key operation to safeguard the UK’s infrastructure, security and prosperity, and that fills all of us in the RFA with pride.”